The University of Tsukuba conducts research and development in the areas of sports equipment, training and conditioning. Japan’s fencing team won the Silver medal with the developed equipment, by a research team led by Professor Norihisa Fujii at the university’s Faculty of Gymnastics, in the 2012 London Olympics.

Objet350 Connex multi-material 3D Printer

Mr. Osamu Takeda, a researcher who managed the modeling of the prototypes at the University of Tsukuba, Sports R&D Core commented, “Players are not engineers. They talk about their requirements instinctively. So, bearing this in mind, we develop various patterns based on different assumptions. With the Objet Connex multi-material 3D Printer, we can do this easily. We can respond flexibly and promptly because the machine is so accurate,”

“Whatever the sport may be, it’s all about designing customized equipment to enable the athlete to maximize his or her personal best,” said Jon Cobb, Executive Vice President Marketing, Stratasys. “Stratasys 3D printers have a long history with the sports world, spanning everything from the design of customized running shoes to the 3D printing of end use parts for bikes and snowmobiles. The accuracy of our technology and the durability and flexibility of our materials enable sports equipment designers to develop truly breakthrough concepts. Also, the fast turnaround time of 3D printing means that the athlete can try several design iterations until the equipment exactly matches personal preferences.”

The University of Tsukuba is now looking for the other 3D printing sports applications such as protective equipment for gymnasts, shoes for javelin throwers, triathlon wear, a footwork assessment system for badminton, and much more.